A rick of wood costs $75 to $200 on average in 2026, depending on wood type, location, and season. A rick measures 4 feet high by 8 feet long, with depth ranging from 12 to 18 inches based on log length. Also called a “face cord,” one rick equals roughly one-third of a full cord of wood.
If you heat your home with a fireplace, wood stove, or outdoor fire pit, you’ve probably seen firewood sold by the “rick.” But how much is a rick of wood really worth, and is it the same as a cord? This guide breaks down current prices, exact dimensions, state-by-state costs, and everything else you need before you buy.
What Is a Rick of Wood?
A rick of wood is a stack of firewood measuring 4 feet high and 8 feet long. The depth depends on how the logs are cut, usually between 12 and 18 inches. In most regions, a rick is also called a face cord or rick cord, and all three terms refer to the same thing.
Because the depth changes with log length, the total volume of a rick can vary. A standard 16-inch-deep rick holds roughly 42 cubic feet of firewood, which is about one-third of a full cord.
Unlike a cord, a “rick” is not a legally standardized measurement in the United States. This is why it is important to confirm the exact depth of the stack with your seller before paying.
How Much Does a Rick of Wood Cost in 2026?
The average cost of a rick of wood in 2026 ranges between $75 and $200, with most homeowners paying around $120 to $150. Premium hardwoods during peak winter can reach $200 or more.
Here is a quick price breakdown based on wood type and season:
Delivery usually adds $25 to $100 depending on distance, and professional stacking costs an extra $20 to $80 per rick.
Factors That Affect Rick of Wood Prices
Several things influence what you will actually pay:
- Wood species: Hardwoods like oak and hickory cost more than softwoods like pine because they burn longer and produce more heat.
- Seasoning: Seasoned (dried) firewood costs 20% to 40% more than green wood but burns cleaner and hotter.
- Location: Areas near large forests have cheaper firewood. Urban or forest-scarce regions pay more.
- Season: Buying in spring or summer can save you 20% to 30% compared to mid-winter.
- Delivery distance: Expect to pay around $2 to $3 per mile beyond a 15-mile radius.
- Cut and split quality: Pre-cut, uniformly split wood costs more than rough, unsplit logs.
Rick of Wood Prices by State
The cost of a rick varies widely across the United States. Here are typical 2026 price ranges for states where firewood is commonly sold by the rick:
Regional tip: In Oklahoma, Texas, and parts of the Midwest, firewood is almost always sold by the rick rather than the cord. This is cultural and practical. Ricks are easier to transport in a single pickup load.
A rick of pecan wood typically costs a little more than regular oak, usually $130 to $200 per rick, because pecan burns hot and adds a pleasant aroma.
Rick vs. Cord of Wood: What Is the Difference?
This is the single biggest source of confusion when buying firewood. Here is the clear difference:
A full cord is the legal unit used to sell firewood, set by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. A rick is a regional term with no legal standard, which makes verification important.
How Many Ricks Are in a Cord of Wood?
Three ricks make one full cord of wood. This math assumes each rick has a standard 16-inch depth. A full cord contains 128 cubic feet, and a standard rick contains about 42 cubic feet, so 3 × 42 ≈ 128 cubic feet.
If the rick depth is shallower (say 12 inches), you may need closer to four ricks to equal a full cord. This is why confirming depth is so important. A “rick” at 12 inches is 25% smaller than a rick at 16 inches, even though both carry the same name.
Is It Better to Buy a Rick or a Cord of Wood?
It depends on how much firewood you actually use.
Buy a rick if you:
- Use a fireplace occasionally for ambiance
- Have limited storage space
- Want to try a specific wood type before committing
- Prefer a smaller upfront cost
Buy a full cord if you:
- Heat your home primarily with wood
- Have a wood stove or outdoor boiler
- Have dry, covered storage for 128 cubic feet
- Want the lowest price per cubic foot
In general, a full cord is 15% to 25% cheaper per cubic foot than buying the same volume in ricks. But if you don’t need that much wood, the extra cost of a rick is worth the convenience.
For most casual users, one to two ricks is enough for an entire winter of weekend fires.
How Much Wood Is in a Rick? (Volume, Pieces & Truck Fit)
A standard 16-inch-deep rick contains:
- Volume: About 42 cubic feet
- Pieces: Roughly 275 to 325 logs of split firewood
- Weight: 830 to 1,700 pounds depending on wood species
- Truck fit: Fits the bed of a standard 8-foot pickup truck
- Burn time: Lasts 4 to 8 weeks for occasional fireplace use
If your rick is deeper (18 inches), you can expect closer to 350 pieces and about 48 cubic feet of wood.
Half Rick and Quarter Rick of Wood Cost
Not everyone needs a full rick. Many sellers offer smaller portions:
- Half rick of wood: $40 to $100 for a stack measuring 4 ft × 4 ft × 16 in (~21 cubic feet)
- Quarter rick of wood: $25 to $60 for a stack measuring 2 ft × 4 ft × 16 in (~10 cubic feet)
A half rick is perfect for occasional weekend fires, campfires, or a short cold spell. A quarter rick is usually the smallest amount most firewood dealers will deliver.
Keep in mind: the price per cubic foot is always highest on small quantities. If you plan to burn regularly, a full rick gives you the best value.
Why Is Firewood Called a Rick?
The word “rick” comes from Old English hrēac, meaning a stack or pile, often used for hay. Farmers adopted the term for firewood stacks because the stacking method was similar. Over time, “rick” stuck in the American Midwest and South as a practical unit for selling firewood.
Today, the term is most common in Oklahoma, Texas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri, and Indiana, where it remains the default way to buy and sell firewood.
How to Buy a Rick of Wood (Smart Buyer Tips)
Follow these steps to avoid overpaying or getting shorted:
- Ask for exact dimensions: Confirm the height, length, and depth before you agree on a price.
- Check the wood type: Hardwood and softwood have very different burn values. Ask specifically.
- Look for seasoning: Seasoned wood has cracks in the ends, grayish color, and sounds hollow when struck. Moisture content should be under 20%.
- Measure on delivery: Use a tape measure. A true 16-inch rick should be 4 ft × 8 ft × 16 in.
- Compare per-cubic-foot pricing: Don’t just compare total price. Divide the cost by the cubic feet.
- Buy in spring or summer: Prices drop 20% to 30% in the off-season.
- Get it in writing: Always request a receipt that lists wood type, dimensions, and price.
How Can I Get Free Firewood?
If you are on a tight budget, you can often find free firewood with a little effort. Here are the most reliable sources:
- Local tree services: Arborists often give away wood from tree removals. Call a few companies in your area.
- Storm cleanup crews: After heavy storms, municipalities and cleanup teams have excess wood they need to dispose of.
- Construction sites: Scrap lumber is sometimes free for the taking (always ask first).
- Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist: Search “free firewood” in your local area. New listings appear daily during fall and winter.
- Your own property: If you have fallen trees or dead limbs, you already have free firewood waiting.
- National forests with permits: Many U.S. National Forests sell inexpensive personal-use firewood permits for as little as $20 per cord.
- Neighbors and local farms: Ask around. Farmers often have excess wood from land clearing.
Always inspect free wood for pests, rot, or treated lumber before burning it in your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a rick of wood near me?
Local prices range from $70 to $200, with $120 being the national average. Search “firewood near me” on Google Maps to compare nearby suppliers, or check Facebook Marketplace for local sellers.
How much is a full rick of wood?
A full rick (4 ft × 8 ft × 16 in) costs $75 to $200 in 2026, depending on wood type and region.
How much is a rick of oak wood?
Oak is a premium hardwood. Expect to pay $130 to $200 per rick for seasoned oak, slightly more in peak winter.
How much is a rick of pecan wood?
Pecan runs about $130 to $200 per rick. It burns hot, lasts long, and is popular for both heating and smoking food.
How long does a rick of wood last?
A rick of hardwood typically lasts 4 to 8 weeks for a household using a fireplace daily, or an entire winter for occasional weekend use.
Is a rick of wood the same as a face cord?
Yes. In most regions, “rick” and “face cord” refer to the same stack: 4 ft × 8 ft with depth matching the log length.
How much is a rick of wood worth for resale?
Resale value is usually $60 to $130 per rick for seasoned hardwood, depending on local demand.
How many pieces of firewood are in a rick?
A standard 16-inch rick contains 275 to 325 pieces of split firewood.
Final Thoughts
Knowing exactly how much a rick of wood costs, and what you’re actually getting, helps you make a smart firewood purchase in 2026. Expect to pay $75 to $200 per rick for most hardwoods, confirm the stack depth before paying, and buy in the off-season when possible. For casual users, one or two ricks will cover an entire winter. For primary heating, a full cord offers better value per cubic foot.
Whether you are warming up for a camping trip or stocking up for a long winter, you now have everything you need to buy firewood confidently and at the right price.
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